“There are only seven days to go with the online fundraising so we want people to give whatever they can,” he said.

Lauren, from Ely, a Sea Cadet and pupil at Mary Immaculate High School, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in July, just days after meeting Barack Obama when he came to Cardiff for the NATO summit.

David, who is pastoral manager at Mary Immaculate added: “Christmas is Lauren’s favourite time of year so we thought we could buy her whatever she wants.

“Lots of people have been helping and a lot of money has been raised.”

Lauren, who currently has six days left of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment is said to be in an upbeat mood, despite having been readmitted to hospital after a brief stint at home.

“We saw Lauren on Monday,” David said. “She was happy and upbeat. She’s being really brave.”